Jalapeno Smoked (Sazerac Barrel-Aged) Porter | Country Boy Brewing

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It's often the case where barrel-aging offers extra complexity to the beer with flavors of booze, wood, vanilla, and caramel. But then there's other times when simple oak-aging rounds out the rougher edges of a beer and creates a more marshmallow-like effect. The Sazerac barrels do both to the growing popularity of the Jalapeno Smoked Porter.

Somewhat impeeded head character is an early result of low initial carbonation, but also the extended barrel aging process. But where the slight tannish head is thin, the full onyx-brown/black hued beer still carries a stately and masculine appearance.

Where the Porterish aromas and flavors of coffee and chocolate govern, the oak comes through with a creamy and soft sweetness more of sandalwood than of oak. Where the whisky notes are mild, a rich malty sweet character of caramel, marshmallows, and maple. All this- and with the slighted hop presence, the beer still balances properly with the spice and flavor of jalapeno peppers. Not only do the pepper spice balance the sweetness properly, they also add a complex vegitable tone that never rivals the heat, but rounds it out beautifully.

Fuller and heavier on the palate, this barrel-aged version gives a heightened impression of sweetness not only to taste, but also with the feel of sweet and spicy alchols on the surfaces of the mouth. Full and more mouth coating than the original, the exended finish of malt and alcohol sweetness carries well into the next sip.

I'm not sure whether I prefer this barrel aged Porter over the original, it will largely depend on whether I want a more drinkable verion or this one that's much more of a sipper and savorer.

Pours a clear dark brown with garnet highlights. A tiny tan head dissipates quickly into an oil slick-like foam on the surface.

Smoke and chipotle chili lead the aroma, with hints of roasted malt and a touch of chocolate adding complexity. Chipotle is dominant. Becomes slightly boozy as it warms, vanilla.

The flavor is far more complex. Vanilla, chocolate, roast malt and bourbon dominate the profile. There's a touch of rye bitterness at the finish that is accentuated by the spiciness of the chipotle, which is just a bit too powerful. But it is a pepper beer! The fruitiness of the chipotle really adds complexity.

Body is moderate to heavy, with minimal carbonation.

A very interesting brew. The aroma and flavor are slightly at odds initially, but I'm glad the malt and barrel characteristics were evident in the flavor. The aroma really opens as it warms.